Lantana

Coreopsis adds a lovely bit of color to the garden.  These are tough plants that need little to moderate water and they seem to bloom almost endlessly, especially if deadheaded.  They also tend to self-sow, so be prepared for either even more color or a bit of weeding.

Hemerocallis (daylily) have arching narrow leaves and lily-like flowers.  They are tough plants and reasonably trouble free.  A couple of  favorites are ‘Stella D’Oro’, a dwarf golden yellow with a longer bloom period than most, and ‘Bitsy’, a repeat bloomer with bright yellow flowers on tall, dark stems about eighteen inches tall. Many flower colors are available including cream, orange,…

Nepeta, or catmint, is a very useful little plant.  Most varieties get about a foot tall, but ‘Six Hills Giant’ can grow to three feet.  Grey-green leaves and spikes of purple flowers are characteristic.  Bees love Nepeta and deer tend to leave it alone.  N. cataria is catnip, the herb of choice for many cats. …

Invasive Plants or Plants for The Lazy Gardener? It all depends on your point of view! All these perennials are hardy and colorful. and some are prolific reseeders.  Pictured is Erigeron karvinskianus (Santa Barbara daisy).  It will bloom all summer with very little care, but you have to decide if you want it everywhere or if it’s worth it to pull out…

Agapanthus, or lily of the Nile, can be evergreen or deciduous, one foot tall or four feet tall, white or blue flowered.  There are several shades of blue, from pale to dark blue-violet.  It has green, strap-like leaves with round clusters of flowers rising above the foliage on bare stems.  It can take sun to…

Achillea (yarrow) Green or gray ferny foliage and lots of colors to choose from!  White (‘Calistoga’), yellow (‘Sunbeam’ or ‘Moonshine’), crimson red (‘Red Beauty’) and orange red (‘Faust’ and ‘Terra Cotta’). They all endure the hot summers and cold winters. Water needs are low and bloom time long.